New roads are a big step in the right direction for Mauritius if they can help reduce traffic jams. But, if they also prompt people to drive dangerously and carelessly, they are not worth the effort. The deputy prime minister and minister of Public infrastructure, Dr. Rashid Beebeejaun, expressed his concern at the number of accidents on our roads on the occasion of the official inauguration of the new link road between Vandermeesh and Réduit. Last weekend, our roads claimed two more victims on Flacq Road.

Statistics are frightening. According to the Government Information Service, “an average number of 18,374 accidents are recorded every year in which an average of 150 people are killed. The number of registered vehicles in Mauritius is currently increasing at 5% annually attaining the figure of 291,605.” If the new road provides more space for vehicles to circulate, this could help in the reduction of accidents. But I don’t think it is a problem of space but rather a lack of discipline on the part of drivers.

“The main causes of fatal accidents have been attributed to speeding, careless and dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol,” the minister pointed out. I believe this is a Mauritian habit… Mauritian authorities rarely think about long-term measures. They deal with daily problems on a daily basis but do not concern themselves with what will happen in years to come.

The situation on our roads proves me right. As soon as there is an increase in the number of accidents, a great number of police officers are sent out on the roads, prevention campaigns are organized and the country is busy talking about road safety for – let’s be generous – a few weeks. Then, the authorities think they have done their bit; they just vanish from the scene and the drivers start their old habits again!

It doesn’t work that way… There should be a constant effort by the authorities to make sure people always keep in mind that they have to be careful on the road – responsible towards themselves but also towards all other people. If they want to risk their own lives, they should not award themselves the rights over other people’s...

Instead of fining drivers because they drive at 70 kph on a road limited to 55 kph, the Road Safety Unit (sometimes I must confess, I am tempted to call them the Road Money Unit) should be located in really dangerous areas where people are truly careless.

Likewise, the authorities should make sure that cars which are too old are not authorized to use the roads. Fitness tests should be done with more discipline and severity.

In fact, what the authorities should keep in mind is that the first reason for giving fines is to protect drivers on the road. This should help them drive more carefully. However, if there were prevention campaigns instead of repression, people would be more aware of real dangers and would not drive carefully only in places where they could get fined.

Campaigns are not as frequent as they should be.

Of course, the authorities are not the only ones which should face their responsibilities. Civil society at large should feel more concerned by the problem. What about making young people going out to pubs and clubs at night more conscious of the dangers they face if they drink and drive? What about the owners of such premises distributing some pamphlets in their pubs to prevent accidents? This could be a first step…